The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) estimate that one in 10 people aged 65 and over who live at home will become the victim of abuse has drawn the attention of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG). Millions of people in this age group are enrolled in Medicaid and the NAAG believes that a change in policy allowing federal funds to investigate more abuse and neglect cases—even those that occur in the home—will help.

Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs) are charged with investigating and prosecuting state Medicaid provider fraud as well as resident abuse and neglect complaints at Medicaid-funded health care facilities, and can choose to look into complaints at board and care facilities. The MFCUs usually operate within the state attorney general’s office. Because there are strict limitation on the use of MFCU funds to investigate fraud and abuse, the NAAG is now asking Secretary of HHS, Tom Price, to replace or eliminate the “outdated” policies. Instead NAAG provided two recommendations to the Secretary: (1) allow MFCU funds to investigate and prosecute abuse and neglect of Medicaid beneficiaries in non-institutionalized settings; or (2) allow use of MFCU funds to freely screen or review any and all complaints or reports of whatever type, in whatever setting.

The May 10, 1017, letter to Price was signed by attorneys general of 37 states and the District of Columbia. Montana Attorney General Tim Fox noted “abuse and neglect in the home takes many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, and drug diversion. Abuse and neglect is perpetrated by family, friends, and caregivers alike. The requested change in policy would allow our MFCU to investigate reports…regardless of where they reside, whether it’s a home or in a healthcare facility.” David Y. Chin, Attorney General of Hawaii, cited “[the Hawaii MFCU] receives thousands of complaints relating to fraud and abuse and neglect every year…We hope that the federal government will hear our concerns and support our efforts to protect Hawaii’s most vulnerable residents.”